New Delhi, Nov 13 :  Puneet Issar, whose directorial venture " I Am Singh" deals with discrimination and racism faced by Indians abroad, says shooting for the movie was tough at times.

The film focuses on the hardships Sikhs had to go through post-9/11 attack in the US and has been shot in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

"Every time we had to shoot, we needed permission and each time they would go through the script just to see what we are portraying in the film. At times it was difficult, like when we had to get the law enforcement clearances, etc," Issar said.

Issar, who returns to direction seven years after "Garv", has based it on real stories, facts, dates and figures.

"Sikhs are living in the US since 1897, and post the 9/11 attack they were beaten up as they were taken for Arabs, Afghanis or Muslims. Doesn't this sound weird? I mean they are living in America for 114 years and then they get beaten up. This is what motivated me to make this film, to show a true picture of the situation," he said.

"My film focuses on the problems faced by the Sikhs, something which no other films has done so far. For example, ' My Name Is Khan' is a take on life post-9/11 but with a Muslim angle," he added.

" I Am Singh" is slated for release Dec 2.

© IANS